.

." But here Amasis broke off, for Psamtik, in the anguish produced by these fearful disclosures had given way, and with sobs and groans, cried: "Cease, cruel father! spare me at least the bitter words, that I am the only son in Egypt who is hated by his father without cause!" Amasis looked down on the wretched man who had sunk to the earth before him, his face hidden in the folds of his robe, and the father's wrath was changed to compassion.

He thought of Psamtik's mother, dead forty years before, and felt he had been cruel in inflicting this poisonous wound on her son's soul.

It was the first time for years, that he had been able to feel towards this cold strange man, as a father and a comforter.

For the first time he saw tears in the cold eyes of his son, and could feel the joy of wiping them away.